Speech at the Graduation Ceremony of 2009
(21 June 2009)
Tao Wenhao
Good afternoon: Mr. President, faculty staff, parents and all guests, and most important of all, our graduating students today here.
I am very happy to deliver our heart-felt congratulations on the success of the graduating students on behalf of our Faculty of Foreign Languages. I’m very happy on this significant occasion to share your happiness and achievement, not only with the members of the graduating class of 2009, but also with the families, relatives and friends who have constantly supported you all along the way with their love and encouragement.
There is also sadness today, a feeling of loss that you’re leaving Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai.
When I woke up this morning, I sensed that today would be the day of commencement! I just couldn’t believe it. The first days of your orientation of this university are as if yesterday. Your academic life in our faculty was fascinating and your life in the dormitory was terrific. You may still remember those late-at-night discussions in your bedrooms and those exciting moments and sorrows. We have so many things to put into our memory collection: Li Ze Lake where sometimes you do morning reading, Li Yun Lou Classroom Building where you earn most of scores spend most of your credit hours, the library where you find most of the abundant academic resources, the lectures by many scholars in linguistics and literature, and the academic salon series… I don’t think the list can end with everything in your memory.
The past four years, this campus has been an unforgettable period in your whole life and some of you may wonder whether those days would ever come back. Efforts, trust, friendship, teamwork and the determination to succeed have become one part of your youth. The guideline of the Faculty is to highlight quality and innovation, so as to cultivate first-rate interdisciplinary, independent English professionals for Guangdong Province and the country at large. I am proud to say that all of you have been on the threshold of success.
The year of 2009 is not friendly to the graduating students in finding jobs. Yet I am confident that each of you is well prepared for your future. As you begin with this journey of future, I would like to leave you a few last pieces of advice.
You, as new graduates, must be well aware of the responsibility ahead. We are undoubtedly convinced that it is significant for you to translate your beliefs and ideals into service and action for this country, our great nation of the People’s Republic of China. Wherever you are and whatever you do in the future, remember we are Chinese. I am absolutely sure that you are up to the task, serving our nation and society as well as the world heart and soul.
I am expecting and demand you the highest level of honesty and integrity for any professional activity you participate in the future. For a man without any sincerity will lose the whole world eventually.
Learning has not come to an end with graduation. Life is full of ups and downs. To have a meaningful and happy life is to commit yourself to striving for dreams, which is a lodestar taking you toward something that matters to you and to the whole world. Do remember “live to learn, learn to live”. The most enduring skill you can bring to the workplace is the ability to learn how to learn.
My wish goes that all of you pursue your dreams with great enthusiasm.
My wish is also that you find a partner in life who loves you, and gives you comforts and life meanings.
You are the hope of Faculty of Foreign Languages. May I conclude today’s speech by quoting the remarks of our great thinker and philosopher Mao Tse-tung: The world is yours, as well as ours, but in the last analysis, it is yours. You young people, full of vigor and vitality, are in the bloom of life, like the sun at eight o’clock in the morning. Our hope is placed on you.
Do come back from time to time, and let us know when you are back at the faculty. And always remember that our faculty stands behind you.
Thank you!!!
